There are just 2 round left of the 7 race Essex Summer Evening Series (ESES) and it is looking like it is going down to the wire in the mens senior race and the "Segment Slam" competition with just a matter of a few points separating the leaders.

Round 5 saw a return to winning ways for Dan Barford allowing him to claw back some valuable point on the current overall leader Kurt Minter. The fast flowing course suited Dan's style allowing him to pull clear of the leading group of 3 which included Kurt, Mark Shepard and Will Kearse on the 2nd lap. This group soon splintered reformed then split up again during the race until the final positions were settled with Dan 1st, Kurt 2nd and Mark 3rd.

The Youth race was equally hard fought with the lead changing hands a number of times over the first 3 laps before Kieran Jarvis pulled out a 5 second lead over Robert Staines with George Crocombe a fine 3rd still on the road to recovery after a wrist injury earlier in the season.

A shout must go out to Jane Brockman who not only rode but was one of the assistant British Cycling commissioners for the race, It would be great to see a few more ladies giving it a go.

The Potash venue is turning into a great circuit with many riders preferring the fast flowing old school XC feel to brutal Hadleigh Park (2012 Olympic MTB venue). New technical features have been added each week. We uncovered some disused earth works from a previous paint ball site that once cleared of nettles made for some demanding single track features.

You can still enter the final 2 round online or on the day (£2 extra). The final round is shaping up to be a cracker with the biggest field of riders yet. There are lots of chance to win a prizes, click on the link below for the chance to win a pair of Lauf Trail Racers 29er forks.

Everyone who races, marshals or helps during the series will be entered into a draw at the end of the series (07/07/15) you simply place your number board in the container as you cross the line on the final round and numbers will be drawn at random. Prizes included a pair of Lauf Trail Racer 29er forks..yes another pair that is 3 in total (including the "Segment Slam"), a Hardnutz Stealth MTB helmet, an hour session at the "The Plumb Blossom Clinic" from our resident fitness guru Rob Williamson, plus many more prizes that we will announce closer to the date.

Myself and your friendly local British Cycling commissaire Paul Coulson spent the whole morning clearing trails ready for round 3 of the ESES at Potash. The photos below do not do justice to the amount we cleared and how much fun the new sections will be to ride.

I have been exploring the woods over Potash and found some bits with some interesting elements we have not used before. If anyone is free during the day on Tuesday to help me clear this section and is handy with a rake it would be much appreciated.